start up from cold - problems

[mjhubba]

Our Bongo is not starting from cold. It takes about five minutes of repeated key turning and then eventually (hopefully) it finally starts with a mass of black smoke. Once warm it is fine and can be restarted easily. Can anybody diagnose? Could it possibly be something to do with the glow/plug coil (if that's what it is called) not operating?
Thanks for your help

[mister munkey]

Most cases of this kind are down to one or more glowplugs failing.

Mine does the same unless I leave the ignition on for a few seconds after the glowplug light goes out, I tend to wait for the roof/sediment lights to dim & the radio to come on before cranking then it's crisp & smooth rather than lumpy & smokey,

Give it a go.

[scanner]

Yep sounds like glowplugs - is the light coming on and going out after a few seconds?

The black smoke is all the unburnt fuel you've pumped in during the churning over.

Try turning it off and on again a few times when the light goes out before trying to start it, to see if that helps.

[Pete & Sue]

Had the same problem a few weeks back. It were them danged glowplugs! Bought a new set and changed them using the Data-Sheet on this site; also helps to have a good set of sockets, especially the long reach ones.
Cold early morning start needs 15 sec wait after turning on ignition; you'll hear the relay switch off. Then turn the key and it will start like a dream. Also allow the engine to warm up; let it idle for 5 - 10 mins.
Pete.

[bigdaddycain]

Some glowplug sizes differ on bongo's, if you decide it's a garage job, it may be worth mentioning to the mechanic.

In the meantime, much along the lines of scanner's suggestion, do a three or four cycle of "glowplug" light, then let the light extinguish, wait 5 seconds, then crank the engine, with a spot of "gas".

Chances are that only one plug is iffy/lazy, but, as with spark plugs, i suggest replacing all four.